I saw nothing in your recent update about the apparent intention of the Mayor,
with your agreement and that of Council Member Nadeau and several ANCs
about the city’s support (by way of the Zoning Commission and discussions with
real estate developers) of a monstrous apartment project using the land now
occupied by an effective and respected Police District and an essential Fire Department. We do not know where these two city services would be moved.
The Zoning Commission expected to revise the zoning of the property, which
covers about 2 acres altogether – including V Street, Florida Avenue, and Seaton
Place. In that case, residents would find themselves next to apartment buildings
approximately 125 feet high, as allowed by zoning designation MU-10. (It is
presently MU-4; the publicly owned buildings are no more than two stories, and
surrounding apartment buildings no more than four stories.) Such tall buildings
would adversely affect the smaller residences along Florida Avenue (i.e., east of
17th Street NW) and Seaton Place to the north, depriving their gardens of sunlight and space for trees and gardens.
The idea apparently includes city leasing of the public land to developers, as yet unnamed, such that the developers would make lots of money. Low-cost housing is not in the cards for such buildings. I am not surprised that no one in public office wants to discuss this matter via legitimate public media. The damage this scheme would do is incalculable.
The city would be stealing from itself in several ways; indeed, the whole plan might be carried out, and the property values might sink as we lose the fire and police departments and the area ceases to be attractive to residents and visitors.
It took effective legal effort that forced the Zoning Commission to pursue a different review process that will actually give citizens a voice in the decision.
People in the city government must stop this secret planning of ill-considered changes in land use. Instead, you and your colleagues should declare that the city government will contribute effectively, including through public participation in critical land use decisions, to the beauty of our city, the well-being of ordinary residents, and the pride we take in democratic governance.
Charles Ellis
1201 16th ST. NW
Washington, DC 20009
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